inference resting upon circumstantial proof. In like manner, the claim of the anti-expansionists that annexation would be unconstitutional was inferential, without a decision of the Supreme Court upon the question. That annexation would benefit either the Filipinos or the Americans was purely inferential, resting upon presumptive evidence of more or less probability. And likewise, another claim that the inhabitants of that far-away country would adopt American civilization and flourish under it, was not a proposition sufficiently evident to be used in support of the subject proposition.

Arrangement of Material-Importance of Briefing-The Proposition, Introduction, Discussion, Conclusion-Meeting Objections -The Important Thought-Making the Speech-Thinking when in Action.

As

S a first step in the arrangement of materials, complete the analysis of the subject. From the revision noticed in a preceding section, discard all irrelevant matter. Make the heads and subArrangement heads fit logically together, until the of Material. analysis becomes a perfect working model. The subject must now be thought through, and the proofs arranged under the proper headings. This is preparatory to the writing or briefing which is to follow. Let the work be conscientiously done, for upon it depends lucidity of statement and convincing argument. This is the framework, which, like the steel skeletons used to support modern high buildings, should be balanced in its proportions and strong in all its parts. Around the analysis group all the material accumulated-fact, statistics, appropriate ideas, and original thought. Illustration, description, narrative, or demonstration by example may

all be necessary to proof. All should be arranged in strictly logical and systematic order. Too much care cannot be taken in the arranging of the materials of public speech.

The first step of the complete analysis will now appear as follows:

A. The Canal is Necessary.

(a). For naval purposes - Would do

Illustration.

away with the necessity of keeping a separate fleet in both oceans-Illustrated by the Spanish War-Trip of the Oregon -Sending supplies to Manila-To protect Hawaii and the Philippines.

(b). For the benefit of Commerce - Would shorten the routes and decrease the cost of transportation-Would increase trade with the Oriental countries-Would increase trade with South America Southern coal in the Pacific-Lumber of the Pacific Slope in the Eastern market— Development of both coasts by reciprocal trade.

of Briefing.

It is desirable to reduce the analysis to writing. If it is not to be used on the platform as a guide to the speaker, it must be used in the study Importance to give direction to the arrangement of the discourse. The written analysis may take the form of a brief, beginning with the subject proposition, and including introduction, discussion, conclusion, and the peroration. The various parts of the analysis should be indicated by numbers, and

catch words may be used to suggest the topic to be considered at each point. The principal and subordinate propositions should be accompanied by written references, indicating what is the available material that bears upon each and where it may be found. When finished, the brief is a complete index of the subject, and is always available for reference. The brief also establishes the line of argument, or what the lawyers term the theory of the case, and it is the framework to which the necessary covering of proof and effective delivery is to be attached.

tion.

Every subject should be clearly determined and capable of statement in a distinct proposition. This The Proposi- is formally written down at the head of the analysis, and is the logical conclusion of the argument. But it may be neither wise nor desirable to state this proposition at the beginning of the address. It is not essential to proof or to eloquent speech, and may be left to the exigencies of treatment. Much would depend upon the sympathies of the audience and the purpose of the address. While it is essential to the preparation, it is optional with the speaker when or how he shall communicate his subject to his hearers.

The Intro

The introduction of an address is designed to prepare the way for the discussion which is to follow. During its delivery the speaker and audiduction. ence grow familiar with each other, and the minds of all are prepared to consider the subject which is to be elucidated. Consequently, the introduction may be purely explanatory or it may be

conciliatory. It may be inspired by the circumstances of the occasion or by the current of passing events. However, it should be intimately connected with the theme to be presented, and good sense would dictate that it be short, clear, and appropriate in all respects. In order that the speaker may know exactly what he is to introduce it is sometimes best to delay preparing this part of the address until the last.

66

Illustrations

of the

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it Introduction. will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve."

"I address you, sir, with anxiety and distress of mind, with me, wholly unprecedented. The friends of this bill seem to consider it as the exercise of a common power; as an ordinary affair; a mere municipal regulation, which they expect to see pass without other questions than those concerning details. But, sir, the principle of this bill materially affects the liberties and rights of the whole people of the United States. To me it appears that it would justify a revolution in this country; and that, in no great length of time it may produce it. When I see the zeal and perseverance with which this bill has been urged along its parliamentary path, when I know the local interests and associated projects which combine to promote its success, all opposition to it seems mani